HIDALGO, 25 May. - Four years of hard work on and off the field paid off for Valley View defender Israel Lince when he signed a letter of intent Friday to play collegiate soccer with NAIA Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio.

"I’m really happy for this opportunity, it’s been a dream of mine and something I’ve always wanted since I came in as a freshman," said Lince, who plans to major in education. "Now, I just have to keep going, playing and studying hard."

Lince captained a defense that allowed only 10 goals in 12 District 63-4A matches to help Valley View win their second straight district title and qualify to the regional final. Last year, Lince was part of the Tiger squad that permitted 11 goals in 10 matches, won a share of the district championship and advance to the regional semifinal.

"Our purpose and our goal for each of our players is not just the athletic side, but academics too," said Valley View head coach Damián Magallán. "And we are seeing the results. In the case of Israel Lince, he’s tenacious and gives it his all on and off the field. He finished his first two years of college through dual enrollment, completed his high school studies, and played soccer. He has a strong work ethic, he was our standard as team captain, and he’ll be an asset to Our Lady of the Lake."

"We’re very proud of how we are able to support our athletics, it’s a privilege to help support them and see them succeed academically," concluded Valley View ISD board member Juan Pimentel. "He’s a great example of a student-athlete, he gets to study and play soccer at a higher level, and we’re proud of him and all of our students that get the opportunity to further their education."